So the Western Conference is all locked up and the match-ups are set and the Detroit Red Wings are to face the NHL’s foster child Phoenix Coyotes. This should be a very entertaining series with a clash of styles, the veteran touch of the Detroit Red Wings to the young rising stars in Phoenix. The season series between these 2 clubs is split 2-0-2 with Detroit having 2 outright victories while Phoenix has come out on top in extra time(both OT).

I will give in my opinion the X-Factors of this series. Pavel Datsyuk has 6 points in the 4 games with 2 goals and 4 assists while Thomas Holmstrom stops the scoring with 3 points all of them goals against Phoenix, and of course Jimmy Howard who played 3 games with a 2.62 GAA against Phoenix, Chris Osgood also played one game however losing in OT, I see howard being ready and should get the start and see how he fares and if need be bring Osgood in should Howard choke or get injured. Looking at the Phoenix side Shane Doan has 5 points in the 4 games 1 goal and 4 assists, while Matthew Lombardi and Keith Yandle have 2 goals over the season series and Phoenix goalie Ilya Bryzgalov is 2.96 GAA.

My final opinion if Detroit can dictate the pace the series belongs to them, however if they allow Phoenix to run fast paced games Detroit may be subject to an early exit from the post season. Don’t expect a high scoring affair i see most games going no more then 6 goals total. Another point to make is if the series goes long it favours Phoenix but as I said a dictated pace by Detroit expect a short series.